Introductions
"It's important to write for yourself first": Kalindi Kri's emotionally honest poetry
"My best advice would be to learn how to keep showing up, even after rejection or when things take time," says author and poet
Kalindi Kri.
Kalindi is the author of
Sugar and Scars, a poetry book that was released just last month.
"My work is deeply rooted in emotional honesty," she says, "and often explores the inner landscapes of thought, memory, and feeling."
Here's Kalindi to talk a little about her life and work:
What does self-publishing offer that other methods of publishing may not?
I'm drawn to the world of self-publishing because of the creative freedom it offers and the attention given to authors. It allows writers to stay true to their work and feel valued throughout the process.
What's the secret to good writing?My best advice would be to learn how to keep showing up, even after rejection or when things take time. It's important to write for yourself first. Performative art doesn't last long, and if you aren't true to your own art, your art cannot be true for anyone else.
Write like a lover and edit like a surgeon.
What's a mistake you made early on that you'd like to help others avoid?I submitted a lot of raw work that could have been made stronger with proper editing. Don't be afraid of edits. Write like a lover and edit like a surgeon.
What's your favorite way to pass the time?I'm almost always reading, and when I'm not, I spend my time painting, crocheting, and engaging with other creative practices that quietly shape my work.
Any daily writing rituals?I don't really sit down to write at fixed times—I write whenever I feel like it. Art is like a wave; you can't force it or stop it. When it arrives, I welcome it. I don't have any daily rituals at the moment, though I'm trying to establish one in 2026.
Kalindi Kri is an international poet from India, with work published in over thirty anthologies and magazines. She has secured a top position in a national poetry contest and has compiled her own poetry book. Kalindi writes deeply emotional and creative poems, prose, and articles that explore the delicate balance between the heart and the mind. Her work often focuses on the internal landscape of human thought and feeling. She also offers constructive feedback to fellow poets, supporting their growth in craft.
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